John Textor on Buying Everton: Aiming for Success Like Becoming US President

John Textor's Ambitions for Everton: A Fresh Perspective on Ownership

In a revealing statement, prospective new Everton owner John Textor likened the ambition of acquiring Everton to the "presidency of the United States." The 58-year-old digital entrepreneur, who holds significant stakes in various football clubs, confirmed his intent to transition his investment from Crystal Palace in pursuit of this goal. With his company, Eagle Football Holdings, Textor has stakes in clubs across multiple continents, including Ligue 1 club Lyon and Brazilian side Botafogo.

The Exclusivity Agreement and Potential Challenges Ahead

Textor relates that the current majority stakeholder of Everton, Farhad Moshiri, has granted him a period of exclusivity. However, this deal hinges on Textor divesting his stake in Crystal Palace, in accordance with Premier League regulations that prohibit an individual from owning multiple clubs within the same league.

In an extensive interview, Textor expressed optimism about finalizing the deal before the anticipated November 30 deadline. He discussed various challenges, indicating the complexity of the situation and acknowledging the high stakes involved in the takeover.

Understanding the Emotional Weight of Football Clubs

Textor elaborated on his view of ownership, emphasizing that buying a football club comes with an emotional burden. He stated, "Nobody wakes up and thinks, 'I get to buy Everton.'" This perspective highlights the legacy and storied history that clubs like Everton embody, making ownership more about caretaking than acquisition. His childhood experiences with football in the UK fostered a deep appreciation for clubs like Everton, which only heightened his excitement about the opportunity to take charge.

The Future of Everton: Stadium and Community Impact

Textor downplayed the necessity of a new stadium for Everton’s success, reflecting on the atmosphere at Goodison Park. He mentioned that while the new stadium is an exciting prospect due to the capital implications, his focus is on enhancing the squad's competitiveness. Textor is committed to ensuring that the club continues to strive for excellence and aims to secure titles, stating, "We don't want Everton to be bouncing around eighth place forever. We want to win a title, and to do that you need serious capital."

Facing Fan Expectations and Community Dynamics

Regarding potential pressure from Everton supporters, Textor is prepared for the scrutiny and criticism that comes with football ownership. Drawing on experiences from his time in Brazil, he emphasizes the nature of passionate fan bases and the imperative to align with their history while focusing on the future. He acknowledged that misunderstandings and difficult times needed to be navigated gracefully, stating, "I work for the anonymous fan whose father and grandfather loved the club."

The Transition from Crystal Palace

Regarding his current position with Crystal Palace, Textor confirmed that there is no difficulty in selling his stake and highlighted ongoing interest from multiple qualified buyers. As the deadline to complete the transfer approaches, Textor assures fans that Everton is financially stable and well-prepared for future challenges, including the upcoming transfer window.

Future Coaching Considerations for Everton

Textor clarified that, while there have been rumors about managerial changes at Everton, he has not yet engaged with any coaches regarding the position. He recognizes the capabilities of current manager Sean Dyche and intends to collaborate with him in the future regarding squad development and player profiles. Textor’s focus remains on strategic management rather than immediate changes in coaching staff.

Final Thoughts: A New Era for Everton?

John Textor’s impending ownership of Everton could herald an exciting new chapter for the club. His approach blends respect for the rich history of Everton with an ambition to innovate and improve the team's performance on and off the field. As the proposal moves forward, fans await with optimism to see how Textor can navigate the complexities of football ownership to lead Everton toward a successful future.